University of South Carolina equestrian coach Boo Major announced Wednesday that Madelynne Herlocker has signed a National Letter of Intent and will join the Gamecock program for the 2016-17 season. A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Herlocker will compete in horsemanship at the collegiate level.

“We’re looking forward to having Maddie join us in August,” Major said. “She is an exceptional horsemanship rider, and I think she will give us more depth in that event.”

A graduate of John F. Kennedy High School, Herlocker trains with Jess Bergantzel.

This summer, Herlocker represented the American Quarter Horse Association (AQHA) on the championship-winning United States team at the Youth World Cup in Tamworth, New South Wales, Australia. She was a national officer with the American Quarter Horse Youth Association (AQHYA) in 2014 and 2015 and was the State President of the Iowa Quarter Horse Youth Association (IQHYA) in 2015.

Herlocker is the daughter of Matt and Koleene Herlocker. She has two brothers, Evan and Nolan, and a sister, Kendie, who is also an equestrian.

“We are always looking for riders with team and leadership experience,” Major added. “Maddie is clearly a leader when it comes to the AQHA and the offices she has held. Being on the AQHA Youth World Cup team has given her valuable experience on a top-notch championship team. I’m sure she will carry over those experiences to our team and will be very successful while she’s at it.”

Herlocker was a member of the Key Club and Student Government at Kennedy High and plans to major in business and marketing in the Darla Moore School of Business.

For more on the University of South Carolina equestrian program, visit www.gamecocksonline.com/equestrian.